Tuesday, Dec 20, 2022
Some of the University's top accolades bestowed on 25 members of the Rider community
Rider University held its annual Faculty & Staff Awards Ceremony on Dec. 14 in the Theater in the Bart Luedeke Center. The awards honored employees’ outstanding contributions to the University at large.
The Frank N. Elliott Award for Distinguished Service is named in honor of Rider University’s fourth president and is presented each year to a faculty member, administrator and support staff member who has demonstrated distinguished service to the University.
This year's faculty recipient was Dr. Kim Chandler Vaccaro, associate professor of dance. The support staff recipient was Vickie McLendon, administrative specialist for Student Affairs, and the administrative recipient was Karin Torchia, senior associate director of Athletics for external operations and development, and senior women's administrator.
Karen Bognar, director of campaign operations and advancement services, received the Nancy Gray Award. Named in honor of former Vice President of Development Nancy Gray, the award is bestowed upon a staff or faculty member or administrator who exemplifies the ideals of institutional leadership, school pride and community service.
The President’s Inclusive Excellence Award recognizes faculty and staff who demonstrate an ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion. Dr. Cynthia Martinez, assistant professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, and Juanita Carroll, administrative associate in the Norm Brodsky College of Business, are this year's recipients.
The Dominick A. Iorio Faculty Research Award, named after the dean emeritus, is presented annually to an outstanding researcher within the University. Recipients have been recognized as contributing meaningfully to their discipline through their published work. This year's honoree was Professor - Librarian Melissa Hofmann.
Each year, two faculty members are selected to receive the Distinguished Teaching Award. This year's awardees were Dr. Quinn Cunningham, associate professor of management, and Dr. Laurel Harris, associate professor of English.
Dr. Kelly Ross, associate professor of English, received the Faculty Academic Advising Award for outstanding advising qualities, which help students develop their educational and career goals.
Dr. Shawn Kildea, chair of the Department of Media Arts, received the Chairperson Leadership Award. The award highlights the many aspects that contribute to successful departmental leadership.
Swimming and Diving Head Coach Stephen Fletcher received the Coach of the Year Award. He led the men's swimming and diving team to its 10th consecutive Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference championship.
The Ziegler-Gee Award is given to a member of the University who demonstrates exemplary support for gender equality and focuses on ending gender-based discrimination. Dr. Leanna Fenneberg, vice president for Student Affairs, received this year's award.
Joan Liptrot, director of service and civic engagement, was named the recipient of this year's Michelle McCormack Award, which honors a student organization adviser who has served as an outstanding mentor to a student organization.
The Provost’s Initiative Award recognizes individuals who have played significant roles in advancing a number of important initiatives aimed at preparing graduates for life and work in the 21st century. This year's winners were:
- Thomas Shelton, chair of the Department of Choral Studies, Music Education and Sacred Music
- Dr. Alison-Thomas Cottingham, associate professor of psychology
- Dr. Lisa Rufer, associate professor of management
- Charles E. Ray, Esq., lecturer in the Norm Brodsky College of Business
- Dr. A.J. Moore, associate professor of journalism
- Dr. Cynthia Martinez, assistant professor in the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
- Dr. Joanna Kubik, assistant professor of sociology and criminology
- Dr. Quinn Cunningham, associate professor of management
- Dr. Danielle Jacobs Duda, associate professor of chemistry
- Dr. Justin Burton, associate professor in the Department of Media Arts
- Kyle Houser, coordinator of STEM student success
